S&N belt axe vs GB wildlife?

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
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Howdy folks-

Just curious who here has used both? I'm on the hunt for a smallish hand axe, and these two have my eye. I'd wanted the GB for a while, but I really loved the S&N I saw over at offthemapoutfitters.com . Use will be pretty standard woods duty, light chopping and splitting, firewood gathering, carving, etc.

Thanks for thoughts folks-

SP
 
I've read that at RC 57 the GB is a little bit harder steel but I sure like the shape of that S&N head a lot. Also those custom modifications. Sorry I haven't used the stock S&N enough to compare.

DancesWithKnives
 
Thanks for the thoughts DWK, much appreciated. I hear you on the head shape, I like it a lot too (not that I don't like the GB).

A big positive that Brian mentioned in chatting with him was a more appropriate profile for batoning, just in case it's needed. I suppose I could always get one and sell it off if it's not 'right'...
 
Brian's modified version is so pretty that if I decided that I liked to use the GB better, I'd just hang the S&N over the fireplace as a decoration!:D The S&N I handled was factory original, I didn't get many opportunities to use it, and it wasn't comparable to Brian's work. If my finances recover a bit I may be tempted to get one of Brian's just for variety and entertainment. I have many of the GBs, including both the present and older Wildlife profile, and really like them. Between the good steel and a hair-shaving factory convex edge, they are excellent performers. If weight is a big consideration (like backpacking), my recollection is that the S&N is heavier than the Wildlife. Brian has both so I'm confident he could give specific info on weight.

I'm sure either axe will be great.

DancesWithKnives
 
I'll have to check on that weight, I know the head is 1.25lbs on the S&N so it's likely near what, 2 lbs? Is the wildlife a 1lb head?

Hollowdweller had inadvertently sweetened me towards getting a little Marbles pocket axe, but I think I'd still prefer to have just a bit more chopping/splitting ability.

I also have Brian's Pen Bay modified, and it's a very solid axe. I wish I'd gotten one with the 24" haft instead of the 18". Splits wood really well though, just a little heavy for woods carry.
 
I believe that's correct. I think the haft on the GB may be an ounce or so lighter---but that's only about 5 ounces total.

I've read variable reviews of the Marbles, including that the Chinese steel is around RC 50-52. Not that bad for an axe but I doubt it would hold an edge anything like a GB. Nonetheless, I've thought about buying the Marbles Nessmuk version just for fun---until I can afford a custom.

DancesWithKnives
 
I've seen lots of the vintage marbles on ebay for roughly double what the new models go for. I assume the older ones have superior steel, can't be sure of course.
 
Excellent observation. They would probably also be less prone to the loose head problems I've read about with some of the Chinese examples.

DancesWithKnives
 
I think I might have to give that S&N a try the more I look at it. I just like the profile better than the GB for general purpose (I think, or at least on paper). Plus Brian takes some damn tempting pics. :D

Another interesting plus on the older models is some don't have that metal fold up safety guard, not a fan of that thing.
 
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